Unreal performance by Kansas football RB Devin Neal defines his Jayhawks legacy

The Kansas football team has pulled off two of the biggest upsets in the Big 12 Conference in as many weeks, delivering blows to BYU and Colorado’s College Football Playoff hopes. Lance Leipold and Co. have an opportunity to acquire bowl eligibility if the Jayhawks continue their winning streak against Baylor on Saturday.

It was an all-around team effort vs. Coach Prime and the Buffaloes, holding one of the conference’s top offenses to 21 points and dominating on all levels offensively. However, KU would not have been able to do it without Devin Neal’s historic performance. In the same month he broke the school’s all-time rushing record, the Lawrence native gave Kansas fans a day to remember.

Devin Neal was on another level against Colorado

Even with Kansas’ second-string and change-of-pace back Daniel Hishaw Jr. sidelined with an injury, the Buffs could not find a way to slow down the hometown hero. He finished with a career-high 37 carries, totaling 207 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Neal also caught four passes for 80 receiving yards, most of which came on a 51-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.

While the Jayhawk faithful know how dominant Neal can be, he was on a completely different level. It was the best performance of his college career since the bowl-clinching win over Oklahoma State in 2022 and the most rushing yards a KU running back has recorded since Pooka Williams ran for 252 in 2018. 

Neal knows that the 2024 campaign could have been something more for the 5-6 Jayhawks. He returned to school for a senior year despite earning some interest in the NFL Draft the offseason prior. However, he told reporters that he wouldn't have it any other way.

"Being able to help a dormant program outta the dirt to now with sold-out crowds... I'm never gonna forget that," Neal said postgame. "I know you guys won't either."

When Devin Neal departs Kansas for the pros, he’ll hold the top spot in KU’s all-time rushing yards. But more importantly, he’ll be remembered as a remarkable leader and a beloved figure in the community.